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Following the astounding success and enthusiasm of its first-ever Northwest Passage sailing in 2016,Crystal Cruises‘ Crystal Serenity will again traverse the elusive waterway this August. Aboard the ultra-luxury vessel will be a comprehensive team of Arctic experts from the Canada-based Arctic Kingdom, global leaders in Arctic travel, who will share their knowledge and passion for the region’s unique culture, wildlife and geography with guests onboard, as well as lead discovery expeditions ashore.

The 32-day voyage departs Anchorage/Seward, Alaska for New York City on August 15, 2017, and sails through some of the most spectacular, remote areas of the previously unpassable polar region. Crystal Serenity‘s 2017 Northwest Passage Explorer will mark the final voyage for a classic Crystal ocean ship to sail through the Arctic region.

“The Arctic is like nowhere else on the planet,” says Graham Dickson, Arctic Kingdom president and CEO. “As the top land-based operator in the Arctic, we are excited to be providing exceptional opportunities for Crystal Serenity guests to authentically experience the Arctic – unlike ever before.”

Local Inuit guides, Northerners, marine biologists, archaeologists, expert divers, conservationists, photographers, and wildlife experts round out Arctic Kingdom’s team of expedition leaders and speakers for the epic voyage. Besides the many environmental perspectives of the Arctic, there are several cultural nuances to be explored by Crystal guests during the historic passage with visits to Ulukhaktok, North West Territories; and Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet, Nunavut.

Polar Bears in the Arctic Photo credit: (C)Arctic Kingdom

“Partnering with Arctic Kingdom, the leading travel operator in this unique region, further raises the bar on the experience for our guests by offering them expertise from local adventurers,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s chairman, CEO, and president. “Planning and collaboration with top experts and authorities is a must to ensure the safety of our guests and crew. We continue to work closely with the United States and Canadian Coast Guards, Transport Canada, and a myriad of federal, state, provincial, territorial and local government agencies.“

In addition to carefully crafted Crystal Adventures, the ship’s captain will safely position the ship to take advantage of impromptu “Unexpected Adventures,” supported by Arctic Kingdom, including zodiac outings to view glaciers, kayaking in protected bays, and trekking the tundra with an expert guide, and helicopter flights to view the Arctic landscape from the air, favorable weather conditions permitting. Likewise, expedition teams will be scouting for wildlife including polar bears and whales throughout the voyage. Specialized viewing equipment on board will allow guests to experience incredible viewing from the comfort of the vessel.

Just as it was last year, Crystal Serenity will be accompanied through the Canadian Arctic by an escort vessel, providing enhanced safety and both vessels will use low-Sulphur Marine Gas oil fuel, exceeding environmental regulations. The escort vessel will carry additional safety and environmental protection equipment, as well as personnel specifically trained in its use. In addition, it will serve as a platform for two helicopters for ice reconnaissance and flight seeing, and zodiacs for landings in areas without a port facility. Both vessels will be manned by highly trained crew members and Canadian ice-pilots experienced in all aspects of operating safely in the Canadian Arctic.

Arctic Kingdom is the global leader in land-based travel, custom experiences, and logistics in the Arctic. From scheduled Arctic safaris to private journeys, and logistic support for film & TV productions, Arctic Kingdom has been crafting legendary Arctic adventures for almost 20 years. Unparalleled expertise in Arctic wildlife and habitat, and unmatched access, built through years of experience and deep-rooted relationships with local Inuit communities, allows Arctic Kingdom to provide the most incredible Arctic experiences in safety and comfort. Arctic Kingdom uniquely offers polar bear viewing in every season throughout the year, as well as exclusive opportunities to safely see narwhal, bowhead whales, walrus, and even polar diving. www.arctickingdom.com.

All-inclusive cruise fares start at $21,855 per person and are available for booking by contacting your travel professional or calling 888.799.2437. Crystal’s “Crystal Clear Choices” promotional savings offers additional value for bookings made by March 31, 2017.